Do you think your HR manager creates a smokescreen of appraisals, designations and jargonised joining letters? Such tricks may be among the reasons why companies struggle to attract and retain talent.

According to a survey conducted by Shine.com, Hindustan Times’ job search portal, talent acquisition and employee engagement are the biggest challenges that Indian headhunters face, even in these times of slowdown on Job Street.

To handle growing attrition, industry experts are being forced to think afresh. “HR departments should stop acting like cops, if they are interested in retaining talent,” said Vineet Nayar, vice- chairman, HCL Technologies, speaking at the second edition of the Hindustan Times-Shine HR Summit. “The HR expert should not be a fall guy who follows top management and stakeholders’ decisions. The new manager is the one who is embedded within the workforce.”

Young job-seekers are interested in organisations that create aspirations among employees. “Let even your peon grow, if he is ready; he will create channels for success-hungry workers,” said Dilip Shenoy, managing director, National Skill Development Corporation.

But obviously, monetary benefits cannot be delinked from job profiles. “The new wave of job-seekers is particular about the clarity of objectives and regulations,” said Rakesh Upadhyay, chairman, BSNL. “Perhaps, they feel at ease when they know the prescribed format and norms.”

The 2nd Hindustan Times Shine HR Summit was held at Taj Palace, New Delhi on September 27, 2012